Balance is often thought of as serenely perching on some magical “in-between point,” but—as energy constantly shifts on an infinite number of scales—nothing could be further from the truth.  That still perch is just an illusion.

“Balance” is the result of being willing to push in any direction at any time with utter commitment.  So that you can keep rushing forward.  Laughing.

Given the fact meals/work/commute/exercise/society demand so much of our day, the first task of creativity is to creatively hack time so you can work on projects.  I’ve heard someone say (s)he was so bored (s)he “read the entire internet” at work…so why not read the entire Swift library, or Stephen King’s On Writing?  Time-hacks are the first task of creativity.  

Even Tolkien literally wrote in the trenches.

A writer is a director/producer/actor (and of course, a writer) all in one.  The rush of “being God” doesn’t come from the power I have over my story, it comes from the power I GIVE to it through immersion and attention.  If others enjoy it, then I pat myself on the back for 5 minutes…

And then do it again.  

Typically, our initial efforts are weighed down by redundancy and complexity.  How do we make it presentable to others?

By refining the process until the pure core of our efforts shines through with clear simplicity.

Seeing things clearly is a result of embracing the parts of you that need to die. So why is authenticity rare? 

Because it requires the courage and ruthlessness to cut deep…and excise those rotted pieces of ignorance.  

(All speculation):  I believe there are dimensions where results are materialized through pure intention.  But I also believe we were born into OUR dimension—where you have to put in work and set up structures—for a reason.  Every now and then you meet people who can manifest a few results through sheer willpower…

But the evidence is plain:  We’re meant to do the Work.  

(I’m talking to myself here, take it for what it’s worth).  On theories facilitating success:  I’m a fan of management shortcuts, time-hacks, and innovative pivots, but my beef with theories concerning success is that usually, they only address one component:  how to streamline effort.  Often, I fail to hear an emphasis on Aggression and Discipline; that sheer f***ing determination to be on time/on target/crush objectives all day EVERY day (take a break if it will make you sharper, but you know what I mean)…innovation is essential, but to drive it…to PUSH it, you need to carefully build a mix of willpower and discipline…and then?  Apply it.  And never stop.  Ever.  Don’t be the has-been or wanna-be.  Don’t talk.  Just walk.  And with success, spend no more than 5 minutes patting yourself on the back…then keep going—pick a new hobby, pick a new calling.  Don’t become another loudmouth spewing about past accomplishments or promising future greatness.  Don’t be another tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.  

Existence is fractal; the same themes and designs repeat themselves on multiple scales and iterations.  But that’s not an excuse to lapse into laziness via the phrases, “It’s all love,” or “Everything’s an art,” or whatever other form complacency may take.  Delving deep into life and understanding those undying truths…then skillfully reiterating them in different fashions…It doesn’t matter what your job is—you do that and you’re an existential poet.  

Play with the title if you want, but I think that’s everyone’s true calling.

To me, the idea of discipline is not so much being “good at what you love” as much as learning to love everything….

So that you naturally become good at it.  😉

Beware of those who say they know the answers.

Also, beware of those who don’t WANT to know.